The Peloponnesian War

The Warfare of the Greek Dark Ages and Classical Era The act of war is one that is very complex in nature, due to its attachment to mortal human desires and politics. The reasons for which humanity, specifically the Greeks, engaged in warfare evolved throughout time. As the Greeks transitioned from the Dark Ages to the Classical Era distinct differences can be found in their method of going to war, and fighting during it. The transition of command moving from the hands of private individuals to that of the state, is the most prominent difference between the time periods. This movement of power will determine the actions and mindsets of Greeks during times of conflict. The image that many have of Greece within our history is that of a civilized …show more content…
This era is described as an age of enlightenment for art, culture, political thought and the birth of democracy. Due to this Greece began to see a more developed and structured social class that concentrated more on the state’s interest rather than that of powerful individuals. The “The Melian Dialogue” is an excerpt from The History of the Peloponnesian War, which depicts a debate held between the city-state of Athens and Melos, highlights the more civilized method the Greeks took to resolve conflict. In this dialoged Athens is warning Melos of their impending attack on the island if they are not to surrender and become a part of the Athenian empire. The most outstanding difference in this method compared to the ideology of the Greek Dark ages is the disregard for honor by Athenians. As said by the Athenian speaker “Surely you will not fall back on the idea of honor, which has been the ruin of so many when danger and disgrace were staring them in the face.” (History of the Peloponnesian War, page 5) The Athenian mindset is that the Melians should consider the benefit of their people rather than the preservation of their honor. Another significant difference is that the discussing of going to war is kept between the city-state’s councils rather than having it expressed to the whole civilian population. This reemphasizes …show more content…
The Dark Ages consisted of a fragile systems of government that relied of powerful individuals. The only opportunity these men had to move up in power was through the attainment of glory through battle and plundering. On the other hand, the Classical era saw a change in political system to that of one which sought the overall welfare of their individual states, and had a much stricter from of government. The Dark ages had little to no discussion of whether or not there was to be violence if the warlord decided he should increase his position within his society. Unlike the Classical Greeks who at least attempted to resolve the conflict in a non violent manor. The only aspect that the two time periods had in common was when they began the act of war. It seemed to be customary if the city-state was not to surrender that there would be death, slavery, and stealing of